A Backyard Celebration of Local Food

July 13th, 2013 marks Meal Exchange's fourth annual National BBQ Day (TM), a nation-wide celebration of locally sourced foods. Why go local? Buying local benefits your food system, your local economy as well as your taste buds. With farmers markets popping up everywhere during the summer, it's never been easier to make the right choice.

Great, so where's the BBQ? Well... It’s in your backyard! By hosting your own event with as much locally raised and grown food as possible, you become an integral part of the local food movement. Sustainable food farmers, producers, processors and retailers need your support and the best way to help is to get cooking and talk to your guests about 'Why Local'. Download the toolkit(coming soon!) and lead the discussion on why eating local matters and how easy it is to get your hands on it. Find local here .

By hosting a BBQ and registering your event you are also becoming part of the national conversation. Share your stories, recipes, photos on Twitter (#NationalBBQDay), Pinterest, Facebook, Instagram and tag Meal Exchange or e-mail them to us for a chance to WIN a Napoleon BBQ Grill! Share recipes and tell BBQ-ers around the country how you've decided to Go Local, and why.

With your support, finding local will become easier than firing up that grill. So get grilling, and don’t forget to show us your fare!

Who:

You, your friends, family and community!

Where:

At your place

When:

Saturday, July 13th, 2013

What:

Hosting a BBQ that celebrates local food!

Why:

To celebrate local food, suppliers and the local economy... and join in the national conversation about local foods.

How:

Register your BBQ event for a chance to win a Napoleon Prestige® Series 500 Grill and other prizes Step 2: Invite your friends & family and stock up on locally sourced food.Step 3: Fire up that grill!